Technical Abstract:
In order to have pigs available for research purposes, three isolated weaning methods were investigated over 16 trials. The pigs were not medicated or vaccinated. For method 1, pregnant gilts were transported to isolation facilities and allowed to farrow. In 2 of 4 trials, 130 pigs were weaned at 21 days of age and raised free of Salmonella spp. For method 2, gilts were farrowed in the source herd and at weaning, pigs were transported to isolation facilities at 14 to 17 days of age. In 4 of 5 trials, 68 pigs were raised free of Salmonella spp. For method 3, gilts were farrowed in the source herd and at weaning, pigs were transported to isolation facilities at 10 to 14 days of age. In 7 of 7 trials, 172 pigs were raised free of Salmonella spp. A group of 42 pigs was followed through 32 weeks of age. Two pigs became infected with Salmonella between weeks 24 and 32. These data demonstrate that Salmonella spp. can be eliminated by use of isolated weaning for research purposes. Isolated weaned pigs are being monitored to determine if they remain free of Salmonella spp. through to market weight.